A-State Physical Education Professor Receives President’s Council Award
05/20/2015
JONESBORO — Dr. Blair Dean, professor of physical education teacher education at Arkansas State University, has been selected by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) to receive a 2015 PCFSN Community Leadership Award.
The award is given annually to individuals or organizations who improve the lives of others within their community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activities, fitness or nutrition-related programs. This year, the President’s Council presented the Community Leadership Award to 47 recipients across the country.
“If anyone embodies fitness, sports and nutrition, it is Blair Dean,” said Dr. Paul Finnicum, chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences at A-State. “It’s not only a part of who she is personally, but she has also committed herself to weaving it into her courses as part of our teacher preparation program, so like the butterfly effect, it will potentially change the course of our nation.
“She is the face of health and fitness in our state and has done more than anyone in this state to bring awareness of the importance of health. She recently has begun to take the opportunity to spread the message outside of our borders to other areas in the United States. She is truly deserving of this award.”
Dean has been the chairman of the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Fitness since 2005. She has become nationally known for her expertise in physical activity for young children. This scholarship recognition has led to her consultant work, including the national program “Fuel Up To Play 60.” She is the author of the book titled, “ACADEMOTION: 100 Action-Packed Activities for Teachers of Young Children” and several published articles on innovative physical activity techniques for children.
“Dr. Dean has worked to consistently promote physical activity, sports and/or good nutrition throughout their community,” said Shellie Pfohl, executive director of the Office of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. “For our nation to become healthier, it has to be transformed by acts of people and organizations such as the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Fitness. Because of Blair Dean’s efforts and contributions, its community can embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle. Together, we are all working to make our nation a healthier one.”
The Office of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (OPCFSN) works with the council and, under its authority in Title XVII of the Public Health Service Act, shares the council’s mission to engage, educate and empower all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.
PCFSN is a committee of volunteer citizens who advise the President through the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Through partnerships with the public, private and non-profit sectors, the OPCFSN promotes programs and initiatives that motivate people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to lead active, healthy lives. Specifically, the OPCFSN works to overcome the challenges, and develop opportunities, to promote fitness, sports and nutrition across the United States. For more information about the Council, visit www.fitness.gov and follow on Twitter @FitnessGov.
